This weekend's Premier League clash at Villa Park sees Aston Villa hosting Southampton, a fixture that pits a slightly rejuvenated Villa side against the league’s struggling Saints. Here's a comprehensive preview of the match.
Aston Villa Recent Form
Aston Villa broke a dismal run of form midweek with a 3-1 win over Brentford. The victory marked their sixth consecutive unbeaten home match in the Premier League, moving them up to seventh place.
Villa have shown resilience at Villa Park under Unai Emery, and they remain undefeated in league games against promoted sides this season.
Southampton
Southampton languishes at the bottom of the table with only one win this campaign, a solitary 1-0 victory over Everton.
Their away record is even more concerning, with 14 Premier League games without a win and only one point collected since the international break.
Injury and Team News
Aston Villa
Unai Emery is likely to rotate his squad with a Champions League tie against Leipzig looming.
Jacob Ramsey remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Amadou Onana may make a return to the bench. Key players such as Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash are expected to feature.
Southampton
The Saints face significant selection woes with Jack Stephens suspended and multiple players, including Aaron Ramsdale, Adam Lallana, and Will Smallbone, still injured.
However, Paul Onuachu and Jan Bednarek are available, alongside the return of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Last Lineups
Aston Villa's Previous Lineup
Southampton's Previous Lineup
Villa vs Saints - Who Is the Referee and VAR?
The officiating team for this match includes:
Referee: Darren Bond.
Assistants: Lee Betts, Richard West.
Fourth official: John Busby.
VAR: Peter Bankes.
Assistant VAR: Simon Bennett.
Aston Villa Player to Watch
Ollie Watkins
With five goals in his last six appearances at Villa Park, Watkins is crucial to Villa's attack. A goal in this match would see him equal Dwight Yorke’s record for most goals at home for the club.
Southampton Player to Watch
Paul Onuachu
Returning from injury, Onuachu's physical presence could trouble Villa's defence. His performance will be key to Southampton’s hopes of finding the net.
Prediction
Villa's revitalised form and Southampton's defensive frailties point to a comfortable home win. Unai Emery’s side should have enough firepower to secure three points.
Our Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Southampton
Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Aston Villa to Win
Given their strong home form and Southampton’s struggles, Villa are favourites.
Tip 2 - Ollie Watkins to Score Anytime
The forward’s recent scoring record at home makes this a solid pick.
Tip 3 - Under 2.5 Goals
Despite Villa's advantage, Southampton’s scoring woes might keep the overall tally low.
